MP reports council on care homes

Rallies have been held against the original plans

An MP has reported a county council to a government watchdog, accusing it of maladministration.

The move follows Staffordshire County Council's decision to close 14 of its care homes, moving residents' care into the private sector.

Lichfield's Conservative MP Michael Fabricant said the county had been aware of funding difficulties for some time but had not taken action.

The council's leader said Mr Fabricant was using the issue for his own ends.

In his letter to the Local Government Ombudsman Mr Fabricant wrote: "As with the job evaluation scheme, the issue of care home closures could have been handled far more humanely and effectively had the county addressed the matter some years back.

'Dispossessing residents'

"Although the county was aware of funding difficulties for some time, no action was taken.

"This precipitated the present announcement of closures which will take place over a short period of time dispossessing elderly residents from their homes."

But the council's leader, John Taylor, said Mr Fabricant was ignoring the fact care issues in the county were being addressed.

"From his comments I take it to be that he thinks investing over £19m in improving care and support for some of our most vulnerable citizens is the wrong thing to do," said Mr Taylor.

Simone Christiaan, guardian of a resident at Springhill Home in Leek, a facility for disabled people that is scheduled to close, said protestors would continue to fight to make sure people's voices can be heard.

She said: "We are not surprised they are closing.

"But if the homes have to close then we need to make sure people are heard.

"Its about making sure everyone's needs are met."